DUBLINERS AND VISITORS will be able to retrace the steps of those who took part in the 1916 Rising, under a newly-sanctioned plan for a “Freedom Trail” around the capital.
The path – which could be painted green, or consist of demarcated red brick – is modelled on the Freedom Trail around the city of Boston.
At this week’s Dublin City Council meeting, Dublin Lord Mayor Christy Burke announced that the council had committed to put the trail in place.
Fianna Fáil councillor Paul McAuliffe, who proposed the path in 2010, touted the benefits of it in a statement:
A trail marked on the pavement serves as a physical reminder on the streets of the capital.
It will create employment for those in the tourism industry and improve the visitor’s experience, making it easy to navigate the way to important buildings or locations associated with the 1916 Rising.
The inspiration for the “Green Line” is the Boston Freedom Trail – a 2.5 mile walking route connecting 16 sites associated with the American Revolution.
It was installed in 1951, and now attracts more than 4 million people every year.
Details of the Dublin version haven’t been finalised yet, but McAuliffe told TheJournal.ie that markings on the trail would have to show deference to the city’s terrain.
In certain areas – where there are cobble stones and historical granite – we’ll have to be more sensitive.
The councillor says he envisions brass plates to mark sites like the GPO and the Rotunda, providing tourists a free map, setting up a smartphone app dedicated to the trail, and taking advantage of the route to promote local businesses.
As for the name: The Green Mile? The Freedom Trail?
I think we should try to find something unique, maybe add in the Irish language, and certainly get the public involved.
Whatever we call it, though, Dubliners will come up with their own name for it.
Any suggestions?
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say